Victor heard every word.

I reached toward the phone to end the call.

Before I could, Mom added one last sentence.

“And if he passes before we get back, just call the funeral home and handle it. You’re the responsible one, aren’t you?”

The call ended.

The room became completely silent.

Victor took a slow breath.

Then he looked at me.

“Save that video recording, Maya.”

He pointed toward the leather briefcase.

“Because when they walk through that front door, they’re going to find out that the most expensive cruise of their lives didn’t cost ten thousand dollars.”

His eyes stayed fixed on mine.

“It cost them three million.”

**Part 3**

I stayed in the armchair beside Victor’s bed that entire night.

Every so often, he opened his eyes simply to check that I was still there.

Around three in the morning, I noticed a faint spark return to his expression.